Have you specified your preferred domain name? Your preferred domain is the version that you want used for your site in the search results. Google keeps an index of all the domain names on the Internet and these domains can be indexed with or without the www. If you don't specify a preferred domain, Google may treat the www and non-www versions of the domain as separate references to separate pages. This may lead to a lower ranking in Google searches.
It doesn't matter if you choose to use www or not, but when you start your website you need to pick one and stick with it. If you choose not to use www, when people type your domain name and they include the www they will automatically be redirected to your domain without the www.
Once you tell Google which you prefer, Google will use that information in future indexing. It may take some time before this change is reflected in Googles index.
You can choose your preferred domain in three easy steps;
- Log into you Google account, go to the Webmaster Tools Page and select the site you want.
- Under Site Configuration, click Settings.
- In the Preferred Domain section, select the option you want.
If you haven't already you may have to verify ownership of the site.
You will need a Google Account to access Webmaster Tools.
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